John Forrest National Park

John Forrest National Park in the Perth Hills, Western Australia, is a fantastic destination for cycling and cross-country mountain biking just around 30 minutes from Perth. As Western Australia’s oldest national park, it combines bush riding with railway history, waterfalls, granite outcrops and sweeping views across the Swan Coastal Plain. One of the key cycling routes is the 41 km Railway Reserves Heritage Trail, which follows the former Eastern Railway through John Forrest and continues through Perth Hills communities including Darlington, Parkerville and Mundaring. Riders can also tackle the 16 km Noolbenger Off-Road Cycle Trail, a dedicated cross-country MTB adventure featuring varied terrain, scenic viewpoints, granite outcrops and seasonal creeks. For an easier ride, sections of the old railway formation provide relatively gentle cycling and access to some of the park’s best-known attractions, including Hovea Falls, National Park Falls and the historic Swan View Tunnel. Around 6 km of the Railway Reserves Heritage Trail passes through the national park, making John Forrest an excellent starting point for anything from a short family-friendly ride to a longer Perth Hills gravel or MTB adventure. RTS Tip: If it’s your first visit, the Railway Reserves Heritage Trail is a great way to explore John Forrest by bike, while the Noolbenger Trail offers a bigger off-road challenge. Winter and spring are particularly rewarding when the waterfalls are flowing and wildflowers are appearing. Stick to sanctioned cycling trails, check current park and trail conditions before riding, and remember that national park entry fees may apply.